Hayworth continues to oppose compromise, seeks security legislation first

July 6, 2006

Arizona Congressman J.D. Hayworth, a key lawmaker in the debate over illegal immigration and border security, continues to discount a possible compromise that would first tackle security issues and then implement or trigger a guest worker program.

Reports in early July were that President Bush may push for such a compromise. But Hayworth said he prefers a stand-alone security and enforcement bill.

Hayworth said 'If the president is proposing that we put provisions in the bill that will automatically trigger a guest worker plan down the road, that is no compromise at all. It is a non-starter. We need to do a clean enforcement bill.

‘Once the government has shown that it will enforce the law, then we come back and consider the separate issue of workers,' said the conservative.

A spokesman for Sen. Jon Kyl's reelection campaign said the Republican favors a comprehensive approach to immigration but wants the first focus to be on security and enforcement.

Business groups have renewed their support for a guest worker program. The U.S Chamber of Commerce, National Restaurant Association, American Meat Institute and other business allies on immigration called for a comprehensive approach to the hot-button issue.

The Service Employees International Union and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also support a guest worker program and some legal pathways for the 12 million illegal immigrants already in the U.S., which would be coupled with beefed-up border security. That approach is part of Senate immigration plan favored by Arizona Sen. John McCain, East Valley Congressman Jeff Flake, Gov. Janet Napolitano as well as many moderate Republicans and Democrats.

Arizona is a top entry point for illegal immigrants, drug cartels and other smugglers from Mexico. A number of U.S. industries including agriculture, meat-packing, construction, services and restaurants are heavily reliant upon immigrant and migrant labor.

Congressional committees are holding field hearings on the immigration issue this week at locations outside of Washington, D.C., including in San Diego and Philadelphia.